Romantic Bedroom Decorating Ideas

I thought I would bring you a different article on home remodeling today.  Here are a few ideas on how to make your bedroom more romantic.  We all desire a romantic getaway where we can leave behind the busy life and indulge ourselves in a romantic place where all our senses are sharpened to the beauty of our surroundings and to the love and romance of our company. The good news is that you don’t have to book an expensive flight to a far off tropical destination nor does the excitement have to last for just a short few days or weeks.  Not at all! We will discuss romantic bedroom decorating ideas that you can use to lose yourself in the comfort of your own home.  

Your own private bedroom can be your lasting romantic getaway! 

When creating a romantic mood, visual stimulus is without a doubt the most critical point.  Therefore, one great romantic bedroom decorating idea is to bring the color of love to your bedroom by splashing some vibrant colors such as various shades of red, purple, pink and orange in your bedroom. It is important to note that colors play an important role in setting the right mood and creating excitement. Try to minimize the use of lackluster colors such as white and beige.

The best way to bring these fiery colors to your bedroom is by selecting the appropriate colors for your drapes, bed sheets, pillow cases and comforter.  For instance selecting a darker shade of red for your drapes and powerful designs that includes the same shade of red color in your comforter is an excellent way of bringing the right mood to your bedroom.

Next, selecting bed linens that are smooth and soft along with soft accent pillows and blankets are a great way of setting the right mood.

This feeling is not limited to touching your bed elements but also the floor.  Although you may have a great looking floor, don't hesitate to decorate with a rug.  A great decorating idea here is to select a simple design without too much color for the floor rug so that the attention stays on the more romantic features in the room.

Finally, a crucial element in creating a perfect romantic setting that most people forget, is our sense of smell.  Various scented candles and aromas such as vanilla and fragrant oils are a great way of creating the perfect scent.  You can also arouse the sense using a floral spray that has a touch of jasmine or lavender, just remember to do it sparingly to avoid creating discomfort.

To order your copy of Remodeling Hell, CLICK HERE!  Please follow this blog for other home decorating ideas!  

Home Remodeling Tips for the Bedroom

A home remodeling project can change the way you see your house and the way you feel when you are inside it. Some people feel the need for a change after a few years of living in the same place. If you are one of them, a change in decoration or an altered appearance of your surroundings may help.

You can start in your bedroom since this is a place where you spend nearly half of the 24 hours of each day. Various remodeling options are discussed here to give your bedroom a new look and a new feel.

1. Mix and match. Playing with colors and designs can be a fun way to spend your days and also a great way to change the look of your bedroom. If its current look leans more towards a traditional style, like everything in their proper places and every color complementing each other, a bolder, more adventurous look may be in order. If the dominant shades are neutral or safe colors, pick out some bold furniture, like a hot pink foot stool or couch and combine it with the neutral-colored sheets. Add velvet accents instead of the traditional linen and cotton to provide a bolder look. The key is to throw in bold colors and accents amid neutral and safe materials.

2. Romantic look. If you feel that there is too much going on in your bedroom, tone it down a little and go for the romantic look. Choose just three soft shades that you will use for the sheets, curtains, cabinets, lamps and accents. A combination of white or cream, light blue or green and skin-tone color lnoks peaceful and quiet. Add romance by putting bed posts and draperies around the bed and soft light to complete the theme.

3. Modern look. This may require a higher budget since you need sleek and modern furniture to give your bedroom a more sophisticated look. Solid colors combined with pricier furniture can give it a contemporary appearance. Put in a huge headboard in solid color and add a shiny, black bedside table. Light browns and blue shades provide a modern look to any room.

4. Play with shapes. Combining rounded lamps with solid, square and rectangle furniture will produce a creative atmosphere. Accessorize with different figurines and table top decors that vary in sizes and shapes to give your room a more adventurous look. You can also use screens or shades instead of curtains to change the look of the room. Warm colors usually go well with this type of design.

5. Stripped-down design. If you have a tendency to feel crowded in when there is too much color and too much furnishings around, remove them and go for a more stripped-down look. Do without the many-colored pillows and sheets and choose a neutral color all throughout. White or cream all throughout – from sheets, to curtains to carpets – is enough to give it a simple look. Break the monotony by adding a single bold-colored lamp. Home remodeling can be as simple as changing colors or removing excess furniture and you can always start the change in your bedroom.

For your copy of Remodeling Hell, CLICK HERE!  

*article from e-forclosuresearch.com

Do Homework Before Hiring A Housekeeper

For most homeowners hiring a maid service is a luxury. If you decide it's worth the splurge, do some homework before you hire so you don't wind up in a nightmare situation with someone who has access to your home.  First, decide what you want from a housekeeper or maid service. You might expect someone to clean your windows, inside and out, every month, and to vacuum under the bed and couches.  You might want your housekeeper to move your books and knickknacks for dusting, and put them back as  before.  Or you might need help with the laundry and ironing, changing the sheets or sweeping the porches and driveway.

Chances are those services aren't part of the standard package that includes a good cleaning of the kitchen, bathrooms, floors and furniture. Some services might agree to do your special jobs for an extra fee, and some might not offer them at all. So the more specific you are about what you want before you choose a maid, the better the chance that you'll get what you want.

Next, search for reputable, trustworthy service that has been in business a while and that comes highly recommended by friends, family or neighbors. If you go with the company, choose one that does background checks on its employees, has insurance, bonds its housekeepers and has a valid local business license.  Ask what the company's insurance covers: theft; accidental damage to your possessions; rekeying in case the maid loses her house keys; flooding caused by a housekeeper who forgets to turn off a faucet; on-the-job accidents?

Third, talk about price. Ask neighbors with same size homes how much they pay so you'll have a benchmark.  But don't be surprised if your price fluctuates with the frequency of your service (you'll probably pay less per visit for weekly service than if you have someone come just once a month) or because your family is larger than your neighbors or because you have pets.

Then, ask for and check references. Start with the Better Business Bureau to learn if any homeowners have filed complaints about the services you are considering. Call customers to ask if they have any complaints, if the maids are reliable and thorough and if they would recommend the service to others. Once you've narrowed down your selection to a couple, dig a little deeper. Some questions to ask:

• Will the maids bring their own vacuum cleaners, dusters and cleaning products, or use yours?
• Does the service use echo friendly cleaning supplies, or harsh chemicals like bleach and ammonia? Are the products safe for children and pets?
• What is the procedure if you have a complaint? How does the company resolve problems between homeowners and housekeepers?
• How will the company ensure you're getting high quality service? Will the manager inspect your home after it is been cleaned?
• Will the service honor your request to send the same maids every time-or to stop sending someone you don't like? If you're not comfortable with someone who comes to your home, you should have the right to ask for someone else.

Finally, write it all down. If you decide to work with a housecleaning service, the company will draw up a contract that covers your agreement. If you hire an individual, it's a good idea for you to write a contract on your own for the two of you to sign. Hiring a housekeeper is just the beginning of your relationship with the stranger who'll have the run of your house-possibly while you're not at home.

Once you settle on a service or an individual, arranged to spend most of your housekeeper's first visit talking instead of cleaning.  Explain your expectations, show them maid around, set ground rules about off-limits rooms, point out which fragile items she should handle with care.  Make it clear whether it's okay for her to talk on the phone, turn on the TV or stereo, or bring a helper or even her children to your house during her shift.  Talk often. If you're not happy with something your housekeeper does, say so. And allow her to approach you with suggestions or questions.

Many homeowners employ their housekeeper for years. Hire thoughtfully and treat your employees fairly and with respect, and you may never have to repeat the process-because you will be working with a keeper.

To order your copy of Remodeling Hell and to download your FREE Salvation Guide, please CLICK HERE.


*Article written by Rosie Romero for The Arizona Republic

10 Steps to Make an Attic Suitable for Storage

No matter how small your attic is, there's probably room for storage. The problem is the space may not be in any shape to preserve items left there for any length of time.  Here are 10 things to consider if you want to convert your attic into a storage room.

1. How clean is it? Odds are it is the filthiest spot in the house. Pull on a sturdy pair of work gloves and give your attic a thorough cleaning, from ceiling to floors. Scrub away all dust, dirt, grime, mildew and mold. The cleaner your attic is, the safer it will keep your stored possessions.
2. Does it have bugs? Search for bugs, rodents and other critters-dead or alive.  If you spot anything, call an exterminator to treat the attic. You won't want anything nibbling on the holiday decorations or spare linens you place in your new space.
3. How hot is it? Answer: Extremely, particularly in 100° temperatures.  If you store collectibles or keepsakes, know that the heat can warp, discolor and even destroy them. You might need to add ventilation to help cool the space.
4. Is there light?  Most attics have a single bulb or no light at all. Call an electrician to tap into that single bulb and run enough lighting to rid the attic of shadows.
5. Can you move around safely? Beware of protruding roofing nails. And take care where the ceiling slopes and the exposed frame is just waiting to bang your head.
6. How sturdy is the floor? Your attic might have a plywood floor or no floor at all.  Be sure to install a sturdy floor, particularly if you want to store books, stacks of magazines and other heavy items.  The last thing you want is for your possessions to crash through the ceiling.
7. What will you store? You may want to invest in storage bins to protect your most cherished possessions.
8. How much space do you have?  Most attics are shallow and narrow. Consider every nook and cranny as a potential storage area. Build shelves, if you can, to add layers. Be sure not to block vents because airflow is vital to keeping the attic relatively cool.
9. Does the roof leak? Check for water stains, wet spots and mildew. Have a leaky roof repaired before you place anything in your attic.
10. Is it easy to get into? Once your attic is clean, organized and full of your stuff, inspect it regularly to check your items for damage.  Keep a stool or a ladder nearby for easy access.

For your copy of Remodeling Hell and your FREE Salvation Guide CLICK HERE!

*Article written by Rosie Romero for The Arizona Republic